The release of 'This Is It' in 2009 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and critics alike eagerly anticipating the documentary film. The movie's success was a testament to Jackson's enduring popularity and his impact on popular culture.
The final segment of Extras 1 is the hardest to watch: a full, uninterrupted run of "Earth Song" from a soundcheck at the Staples Center. No CGI forests, no bulldozer on stage. Just Michael in a maroon button-down and slacks, reaching for the rafters. The backing track drops out for 15 seconds, and he keeps singing—a cappella, raw, ferocious. When he finishes, the small crew of electricians and camera ops erupts into applause. Michael looks almost surprised, then bows deeply.
: Chronicles the global search for the world's best dancers and the grueling selection process. Making Smooth Criminal
Even in his 50s, rehearsal footage shows Michael refining small details, adjusting wrist angles, and demanding absolute precision from the entire ensemble. 4. The Costumes: "Memories of Michael"
The massive undertaking of securing London's O2 Arena and designing a stage capable of rapid transformations.
Critically, the extras help address debates about authenticity and editorializing in documentary presentation. Some critics argued that This Is It’s theatrical edit polished raw rehearsal footage into an image of an artist near the peak of his powers, potentially obscuring health concerns or the unfinished nature of the tour preparation. Extras 1 complicates this critique by offering more unvarnished material—outtakes, longer takes, and technical tests that make clear the rehearsals were works in progress. By exposing the messier side of production, the bonus content contributes to a more balanced historical record and allows viewers to form more informed judgments about Jackson’s condition and the state of the show prior to his death. michael jacksons this is it 2009 extras 1
The backing singers discuss the challenge of matching Michael's intricate vocal harmonies and staying locked into his unpredictable vocal improvisations.
Crucially, "Extras 1" is distinct from "Extras 2" (which usually contains The Unfinished Rehearsals montage or the "Smooth Criminal" making-of). Extras 1 is the goldmine. It contains:
: Interviews with director Kenny Ortega and AEG Live executives.
If you only own the digital version of This Is It , you are missing out. Find the physical copy. Watch the Extras. It turns a sad documentary into a joyful masterclass.
: Emotional reflections on his work ethic and kindness during the final weeks of rehearsal. 🕺 Audition & Talent Features Auditions: Searching for the World’s Best Dancers Focus : The grueling selection process. The release of 'This Is It' in 2009
Upon its release to home media on , Sony Pictures ensured that the standard DVD was packed with nearly an hour of additional content beyond the theatrical version. These extras focused on expanding the behind-the-scenes narrative of the "This Is It" tour's creation. The standard release (often referred to as the single-disc edition) featured the following core bonus materials:
The "Dress Rehearsal" extra is another highlight of the DVD release. This featurette shows Jackson rehearsing the entire concert from start to finish, wearing the iconic black leather jacket and single white glove that became a hallmark of his stage presence. The dress rehearsal provides a thrilling preview of what the concert would have looked like if Jackson had lived to perform it.
The first disc focuses on the creative process of the residency that never was, offering a "rare, behind-the-scenes look" at the developing show. The Main Film
Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009) stands as a unique cinematic and cultural artifact: part concert-film, part rehearsal documentary, and entirely a poignant final chapter in the life and career of a global superstar. Released after Jackson’s sudden death in June 2009, the film compiles rehearsal footage from the months leading up to his planned London residency. The “Extras 1” material—bonus content accompanying some home releases and special editions—offers crucial context and added texture to the theatrical cut, deepening our understanding of Jackson’s artistry, working methods, and the complex production that would have been the “This Is It” concerts. This essay examines the significance of those extras, how they shape audience perception, and what they reveal about Jackson as performer and creative director.
: Michael personally watching the final callbacks and selecting the "chosen" few. Meet the Dancers Focus : Profiles of the 11 men and 1 woman selected. No CGI forests, no bulldozer on stage
On June 25, 2009, tragedy struck when Michael Jackson passed away, leaving fans around the globe in shock and grief. The 'This Is It' concerts, which were set to begin just days later, were subsequently canceled.
When Michael Jackson's This Is It hit theaters in October 2009, it offered fans an unexpected gift: a front-row seat to the creative genius of the King of Pop as he prepared for his sold-out 50-show residency at London’s O2 Arena. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the documentary was compiled from hundreds of hours of private rehearsal footage. While the theatrical cut captured the jaw-dropping scale of the production, the home media releases—specifically the rich assortment of bonus features and extras—provided the raw, intimate context that transformed the film from a concert documentary into a masterclass in musical showmanship.
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